In-school HIV&AIDS counselling services in Botswana: An exploratory study

Abstract

This exploratory study describes the provision of HIV&AIDS counselling services in Botswana junior secondary schools as perceived by teachers. A total of 45 teachers (age range = 20-55; teaching experience range = 0-21 years) from three schools participated. The participants completed a questionnaire on the types of HIV&AIDS-related counselling services provided in the junior secondary schools services, their self-rated HIV&AIDS counselling training needs and their perceived importance of the HIV&AIDS-related counselling services. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed a broad range of HIV&AIDS-related counselling services including life-skills education, care and support education and stigma reduction counselling. Teachers perceived a greater need for training in HIV&AIDS counselling skills and also in the use of information technology to support counselling.